Photovoltaic and wind energy: challenges and solutions in desert regions

Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Environmental and Life Sciences Research Center, Al-Jaheth Str., Shuwaikh, 13109, Kuwait

^* Corresponding author: adousari@kisr.edu.kw

Abstract

In desert areas, some challenges have the prospective to reduce photovoltaic energy production. These are the creation of finely crusted carbonates and/or mud coatings resulted from fallen aerosols and dust during humid conditions. These challenges that greatly affect solar panel planes, as well as wind turbines, were allocated to accomplish the practicability to establish wind and/or photovoltaic energy systems in Kuwait. It was concluded that solar cells are not the best appropriate energy source in Kuwait due to the above-listed challenges; therefore, substitute renewable energy types are considered more practicable. After one year of operation at photovoltaic units and wind turbines in Kuwait, the outcomes show that wind turbines record production energy numbers that go beyond the production average. This was connected with high capacity factors during one year, consequential in an annual power production that is 2.3 times greater than that of solar panels; running 450 homes compared to 199 homes for photovoltaic (PV). Bubiyan Island and west of Kuwait are the most suitable potential location for wind farm establishment. Several control measures including the establishment of green belts and plantation of native shrubs were found proper in reducing dust by 64.5% and 68.4, respectively.